About Us
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Sinkunia Community Development Organization (SCDO) is a registered non-profit organization that has been in existence in Edmonton, Alberta since November 2007. Our focus is helping new African immigrants-especially youth- to get accustomed to life in Canada, to partner with like minded organizations offering complementary services for our clients. Our goal is to help African immigrant families develop their talents and capacities to participate fully and equitably in Canadian life, through grassroots initiatives. As a result of our successful programs and initiatives, SCDO has attracted the attention and support of communities in the wider immigrant population, causing us to expand our reach.
From 2007-2021, we spearheaded international projects together within Sierra Leone and Ghana where we supported local projects that facilitated access to portable water, primary education, food security, relief items and micro-credit financing for low-income women. Our international goal is to alleviate poverty, improve health, learning outcomes, and agricultural productivity. We have created the conditions for a sustainable palm oil processing facility and will process oil from our first harvest in May/June 2022. This will increase skills, community income levels and self-sufficiency for families in our international target communities. Proceeds from sales will go towards supporting the Sinkunia scholarship program for students. Most of our international goals have been achieved and the communities where we are working are becoming independent and will only require minimal support. For now, we are moving forward with an intensified focus on supporting immigrant family settlement and capacity building in Edmonton, Alberta.
Vision
Sinkunia Community Development Organization strives to promote the development of healthy communities where basic human needs are met, equitable opportunities for education and employment exist, and children and families flourish in healthy relationships and vibrant communities.
Mission
• SCDO supports the successful settlement and integration of African immigrant and refugee children, youth and families-so they can thrive in their new communities in Canada.
Objectives
Local:• Develop innovative and evidenced-based programs that empower African immigrant and refugee children, youth and families to transition smoothly into their new communities in Canada• Develop youth leadership skills• Promote the creation of resources, programs and activities that enhance intercultural connections and the well-being and connection of program participants as well as dialogues for building bridges, better understanding and information sharing• Promote active community participation to enhance civic engagement• Build sustainable community partnerships that build an ecosystem of support between non profit organizations and service-minded individuals and families
Values• Respect for the worth and dignity of the people we work with• Commitment to excellence and to maintaining the public trust• Responsible stewardship of resources• Honesty, integrity and ethical behavior at all times• Commitment to diversity in staff, volunteers, board and the people we work with• Approach all our work with a collectivist community development focus
Our Strategic Approach (Priorities)
Local1. Develop a comprehensive evaluation framework/plan and data collection instruments for measuring the effectiveness of all SCDO programs and activities.
Actions:• Hire an external evaluator or consultant to facilitate the process• Define program metric success• Articulate a theory of change• Train staff and volunteers to administer survey instruments
2. Develop an effective communication strategy and plan to communicate with stakeholders and the public
Actions:• Create an SCDO mailing list and host it on an email platform (like Mail Chimp)• Send quarterly newsletters to our list informing them of SCDO programs and news• Hire a summer intern to create the mailing list and platform and to create a newsletter template
3. Improve SCDO’s website and use social media effectively to attract heavy traffic/build a base4. Acquire sustainable funding for the 2019-2024 SCDO strategic plan initiatives
Actions:• Continue fundraising outside of grant sources to diversify our funding sources• Identify new funding sources, maintain and improve existing ones• Identify and enter into new strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations while maintaining and improving existing partnerships.• Apply for CRA-Income Tax Exempt /Charitable status
5. Restructure the Board to reflect improved interactions between the Board and staff members
• Board recruiting and onboarding• Board training• Define necessary board committees and appoint members to them
6. Attract, support and retain a competent and motivated staff team.
• Continue to invite capable volunteers into staff positions as opportunities and funding allow• Develop our staff through training and educational opportunities pertinent to their work at SCDO and the future of their careers• Add external training consultants to our grant applications to provide targeted training for staff in program development, evaluation, technology and other needs as they arise• Develop necessary policy through an expanded skilled board that protects and safeguards staff and volunteers at SCDO and allows for organizational growth
Our Approach to Community Development
Sinkunia Community Development Organization is committed to building the capacity of individuals and groups for participation in sustainable community development through grass roots initiatives. In this way, the people most affected by social problems are empowered to take action and have the skills and support to do so effectively.
In the service of this approach, SCDO:
• Provides community members with opportunities to make decisions, perform tasks and learn skills• Offers encouragement to the individuals we work with. This is done in a way, that communicates a belief in each community member’s capabilities and uplifts the community• Acknowledges each member’s contributions, celebrates milestones and recognizes progress• Encourages the full participation of the individuals we work with in identifying solutions to social problems and bringing the talents and skills of their communities to our programs• Acknowledges multiple diversities within communities• Assists in the development of innovative services that adequately respond to the needs of the community
Theory of Change
In 2020, we received funding from the government of Canada through the “Supporting Black Canadian
Communities Initiatives” (SBCCI). The aim of the initiative was to help build the capacity of Black led
organizations to fulfil their missions more effectively. In our capacity building effort, we focused on
implementing key elements of our five-year strategic plan. This includes hiring a consultant to create a
“Sinkunia Theory of Change” (TOC). Thus, the TOC is based on evaluation outcomes of four key
programs of the organization. This includes the 2021-Sinkunia Summer Camp, Food Distribution, and the
Collective Garden. Following the evaluation of these programs, a Sinkunia TOC of change was created
that clearly articulates how the organization brings about change to the African immigrant families and
the community at large.